A false shot is any batting stroke where the player fails to make clean contact or hits the ball unintentionally, such as an edge or a mistimed heave. Even if the batter isn’t out, this stat is used by analysts to show that the bowler is winning the battle and forcing mistakes.
Example: The opener survived the first hour despite playing several false shots against the moving ball.
Pro-Tip: A high number of false shots usually suggests that a wicket is imminent. It proves the batter is struggling with the pace or movement and is relying on luck rather than skill to stay at the crease.